Las Palmas (Spain)

Las Palmas has always been one of my most favourite short holiday destinations. Situated just of the coast of Morocco, it is located on one of the islands that make up the Canary Islands (Gran Canaria as they are referred to by the Spanish).
Las Palmas although closest to Morocco is a territory of Spain.

I have visited Las Palmas a total of eight times in the last ten years and my most recent visit was last year in December. ...
...So what attracts me to Las Palmas and why am I not sick and tired of the place that I have frequented eight times already?

I was addicted to this place the moment I landed at the airport. The warmth of the air and the coolness of a mild wind is what greeted me when I disembarked from the flight. Unlike other major airports that have these intricate corridors that attach themselves to your lane, when you land at Las Palmas you descend ... more

Las Palmas has always been one of my most favourite short holiday destinations. Situated just of the coast of Morocco, it is located on one of the islands that make up the Canary Islands (Gran Canaria as they are referred to by the Spanish).
Las Palmas although closest to Morocco is a territory of Spain.

I have visited Las Palmas a total of eight times in the last ten years and my most recent visit was last year in December. I intend to go there again this December.

So what attracts me to Las Palmas and why am I not sick and tired of the place that I have frequented eight times already?

I was addicted to this place the moment I landed at the airport. The warmth of the air and the coolness of a mild wind is what greeted me when I disembarked from the flight. Unlike other major airports that have these intricate corridors that attach themselves to your lane, when you land at Las Palmas you descend the steps from your flight and get into a bus that takes you to the terminal building.

Las Palmas consists of two areas. One area is more of the metropolitan scene with high rise buildings, major department stores, office buildings, traffic jams and the likes.
The other area is referred to as Playa Del Ingles (The South) and this is where all the resorts, beaches and traffic free roads. This is what my opinion is concentrated on.

Both areas are connected with a highway consisting of two lanes going each way. It is a direct road without any intersections or traffic lights. The airport is situated almost in the middle of this highway and whichever area you choose to go to, it shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes.

My favourite area is the Playa Del Ingles. Here you will find a very uncomplicated road network. It is really very easy to find your way around. During the day the first place your must visit is the beach. The beach is usually crowded but still excellent. Despite the high number of visitors the sand is still clean and yellowish in colour and the sea is a lovely shade of blue. Parking is not a problem as they have a huge carpark very close by and the rates are inexpensive.
When you get to the beach make sure you still have your slippers on, as the sand is usually boiling hot. Also very necessary is your Sunscreen. The sun is extremely powerful here and sunburn is very common. You would have a wonderful tan in just a few days. The beach also has a Nudist Section. This section is on your right (if you are facing the sea you turn to your right). As you approach this section you will see signs stating “Warning you are approaching the Nudist Section” and when you finally get there “Nudist Section”. It’s open to anyone so if you have the courage and want that perfect tan then you might consider using this area. I tried this once and was rooted to my towel for one hour with the darkest pair of sunglasses you could imagine. I just didn’t have the nerve to take the short walk down to the sea from where I was sitting. I never tried it again.
One thing that I can comment on is that 90% of the women are topless here. These include the local Spanish women who have no qualms about this and consider it natural.

Adjacent to the beach are the food stalls, restaurants, fast food joints (including McDonalds), amusement arcades, drink stalls and the likes.

As for eating out the choice of restaurants are numerous. Since you are in Spain then its worth while to try out the Spanish food. Some things I recommend are the Pinchitos (Boneless chicken on a stick) and the Paela (Rice with seafood, chicken, meat in predominance).

The drinking joints are just about everywhere. Most of us tend to stick to beer and there are many local brands available on the tap. They all are very good but generally are more lighter and less bitter than most English brands. I personally would recommend that you try the Sangria, which is a concoction of Red Wine, Sugar, Vodka and fresh fruits. It is very inexpensive and delicious and is available by glass or by the jug. Have just one glass and I guarantee you’ll order a jug.

Nightlife is extravagant. Any day of the week the nightclubs are busy. Many of them are located in a square, which is quite close to the beach. (Infact everything here is close to the beach). You have your usual high tech discos with the latest music, laser lights etc and then you have your more casual nightclubs with anywhere as a dance floor. Everywhere you go it’s packed with people all enjoying themselves.

Accommodation consists of two/three/four storey apartment blocks sprawled everywhere. Most are self contained with kitchen and a small living room.

Getting around is really easy since everything is quite close together. However it is recommended that you hire a car. Rates are very reasonable and I usually hire a Fiat Uno for the equivalent of 70.00 for one week. Don’t forget that your drive on the wrong side of road here (or is it us that drive on the wrong side).

Shopping is also excellent and everything under the sun is available in the many shopping centers and shops. You need to take care when buying most goods especially electronics and cameras as the prices are usually over inflated and bargaining is very necessary.

Now the other area of Las Palmas is the metropolitan area, which I had mentioned earlier. I hardly frequent this part of Las Palmas as it’s more of something that I am already used to seeing. A city full of cars, public transport and hussle and bussle. They do have a beach but the scenery and quality of the sand and water is just the opposite of the south. Nightlife is good and this area boasts many famous discos and live music bars. Also posh hotels, casinos and Bingo halls are predominant here. Shopping is good here and you could much the same things as you would here in England only the prices are better.

Overall Las Palmas is a lovely place to visit. As my opinion states I prefer the South of Las Palmas (Playa del Ingles). Everything is so peaceful and relaxing (Tranquilo). I just love it and so will you.
 

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